The ultimate in nail luxury: glossy, glistening shades set off with sparkle and shine of the jewellery kind. Pile on the glitz with nails polished enough to take anything on.
Modern manicures have rediscovered the timeless chic that can only come from traditional shades of red and nude. But nails this season are far from being quite so black and white. An emphasis on luxurious finishes turns even bolder, brighter shades into contemporary classics, meaning as much colour fun as you dare.
With nail art taking time-out for the season, the latest looks are all about adding an elegant, or sometimes even playful, twist to an outfit, letting other accessories share the spotlight.
CAUGHT RED-HANDED If there was a beauty dictionary, chances are you’d find a photo of a bold red manicure listed under ‘classic’ (along with a matching lip and slick of liquid liner). “You just can’t go wrong with red nails, especially coming into winter,” says manicurist and YSL Nail Ambassador Frances Catsaros. The spectrum of rouges considered classic for nails runs from bright cherry pinks to rich black-infused garnets, but Catsaros singles out orange-red for special mention. “A warm red tends to work best on all skins, whereas cool reds can clash with many tones,” she explains. One not-so-chic aspect of bright polish: chips are more noticeable. To ensure your red lasts longer than a night out painting the town, Catsaros advises slicking the second coat to the very tip, and then underneath it, before sealing colour with top coat in the same two-step manner. Follow with another layer of glossy top coat two days later.
PALE AND INTERESTING Nude nails are the hand’s equivalent of no-makeup makeup; a polished take on au naturel. Pale nail enamel also happens to offer some handy practical benefits, notes Catsaros. “It coordinates with any bright or dark outfit you choose, so can last well all week. And nude polish is really flattering. It makes fingers look leaner and more elegant … as long as you get your shade right.” Nude nails encompass a palette of pale neutrals: sheer roses, crisp whites, warm apricots and cool beiges. “As with reds, it’s about what enhances rather than clashes with your skin tone,” says Catsaros. “You’ll know when you’ve found the one.” Once you have, apply two coats for a subtle tint; three for slightly more impact.
COLOUR THERAPY Ever since Chanel launched its limited-edition, waiting-list-worthy Le Vernis in Jade, a zesty minty green, back in 2009, brights have taken on a chic new shine. From purple to pink, orange to blue, any quirky colour can work, says Catsaros, as long as you balance this out by adhering to a few classic rules. “Keeping nails short ensures a bright colour looks classic and modern,” she says, noting that the ‘squoval’ shape suits most fingers, as well as keeping nails strong. To perfect a squoval, use a quality file (Catsaros rates those by Hawley) to gently square nails off, and slightly curves the corners. “Always finish off with top coat for a glossy effect,” adds Catsaros. “And to give an extra touch of chic.”
TAKE CARE The most magical makeup can only do so much if skin is less than sensational in the first place; similarly, a manicure is only at its most luxe when what lies beneath is in tip-top condition. “The key to great nails is well-nourished cuticles, otherwise nails become brittle and hangnails develop at the sides,” says Catsaros. Her top cuticle tip: “I swear by simple lanolin. I’ve found nothing better. I tell all of my clients to keep a tube on their bedside table and massage it in every night.” If you’re your own manicurist, Catsaros cautions against cutting cuticles. “Nails need cuticles—they’re a form of protection,” she says. “To neaten cuticles, simply push them down after softening with a little lanolin.”
PHOTOGRAPHY Damien Ropero